IMPORTANCIA DE LA NUTRICION EN EL TRASTORNO POR DEFICIT DE ATENCION E HIPERACTIVIDAD (TDAH)

Abstract

Introduction: Diet can influence brain macro and microstructures and neurotransmitter function; all this together will have an impact on cognitive development. The central nervous system is more vulnerable to nutritional influence in those periods when growth, development and plasticity are more intense. Attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity (ADHD) is the most frequent neurodevelopmental disorder in pediatric age, affects between 2 and 12 percent of children and adolescents. It is estimated that the prevalence in Argentina is similar to that of the rest of the world, that is, around 5% in those under 18 years of age. Diet plays a fundamental role in the health of those who suffer from this disorder, since it can contribute considerably to improving both their health and their quality of life. Therefore, the objective of this work is to carry out a bibliographic update on the effect that food in general and some nutrients in particular (simple sugars, omega3 acids, Mediterranean diet, minerals, intestinal macrobiotic), have on this psychiatric pathology. Methods: The publications in Pub Med and LILACS in the period 2015-2021, complete works, in Spanish and English, were taken as a basis. Results and conclusions: many doubts arise, from this bibliographic review, due to the lack of concrete evidence and the need to continue studying and analyzing the effects of diet on individuals, of different ranges of age, who suffer from ADHD. But there are also some nutritional tips that, together with the corresponding pharmacological treatment, will be useful to improve the quality of life of these children/young people/adults. Keywords: Food; Nutrition; ADHD; children.